“Without mentioning my name, if you please, Elfrida,” said the earl, who also religiously refrained from telling his sister of his proposal to Rosemary, lest Mrs. Force should try to influence the girl in his favor. And he did not wish the latter to be worried or coerced in any way.
“Certainly without mentioning your name. I shall know how to manage with tact and discretion,” replied the lady.
“One word more, Elfrida. Would you approve of a marriage between this Roland Bayard and Rosemary Hedge?” inquired the earl.
“Yes, I should.”
“That is all.”
“But I have not the disposal of the child’s hand, so my own approval goes for nothing.”
“It is enough,” said the earl, and he opened the window looking from the parlor to the balcony and went out there to walk and smoke.
CHAPTER VI
A STRANGE MEETING
The middle of October found the Forces with their party again at Rome, settled in their old quarters.
News of the war came by every mail, bringing accounts of battles fought, and lost or won.